Watch CBS News

Pfleger, Protesters Blast Rauner Budget Plan

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Activists upset over Gov. Bruce Rauner's proposed state budget cuts staged a protest Friday outside the Thompson Center.

Rev. Michael Pfleger, pastor of St. Sabina Church, said "this is not a cute little rally" that brought out a large crowd to the Thompson Center, which has offices for multiple state agencies, including the governor's office.

The protesters turned out to push back against Rauner's budget plan, which would slash funding for daycare and after-school youth employment programs.

Podcast

"These are our children that are dying on our streets, and nobody seems to give a damn in Illinois that our children are being shot and killed. That's why we're here," Pfleger said.

A member of the group was able to drop off letters to Rauner's staff, requesting a meeting, but the whole group wasn't allowed in, prompting Pfleger and others to sit down in front of doors to the building, which already had been blocked by police.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.